Now it appears that Microsoft has its own executive shakeup in the works. Steve Sinofsky, President of Microsoft's Windows and Windows Live division, left the company today. The move comes somewhat as a shock considering that Windows 8 just launched last month.

“It is impossible to count the blessings I have received over my years at Microsoft. I am humbled by the professionalism and generosity of everyone I have had the good fortune to work with at this awesome company,” said Sinofsky of his departure in an email to Microsoft employees.

I. First Forstall, Now Sinofsky

While the timing of Sinofsky's departure is a bit startling, the writing has been on the wall for some time with regards to his chemistry with other Microsoft employees. Sinofsky's inability to be a team player is cited as a major reason for his departure, and is reminiscent of Forstall's dismissal.

AllThingsD reported this afternoon that there was growing tension between Sinofsky and other top Microsoft executives. This news comes weeks after CNET ran a piece detailing Sinofsky's rise to power at Microsoft, and his rather combative style of leadership. CNET's Jay Greene had this to say about how former and current Microsoft execs viewed Sinofsky:

Most requested anonymity because they feared potential repercussions. They paint a picture of an executive who is incredibly smart and passionately driven to ship quality software on time. But some also say Sinofsky can create a toxic work environment that has chased talented employees away from a maturing company that's in desperate need of innovative thinking.

Sinofsky's leadership style and compartmentalization of tasks and "reporting lines" within the Windows division lead his approach to be labeled as "Soviet Central-Planning." In fact, the toxicity within Microsoft was humorously detailed in an organizational chart comic by Manu Cornet:

[Image Source: Manu Cornet]

II. Steve Ballmer heaps praise on Sinofsky, points to new leadership

Microsoft CEO Ballmer sent a memo to his staff regarding the departure, and praised Sinofsky's 20+ years of service:

As we enter this new era, and with the successful launch of Windows 8 and Surface behind us, Steven Sinofsky has decided to leave the company. Steven joined Microsoft in 1989 as a software development engineer and has contributed to the company in many ways from his work as a technical advisor to Bill Gates, to leading the evolution of the Microsoft Office business, to his direction and successful leadership of Windows and Windows Live as well as Surface. I am grateful for the work that Steven has delivered in his time at our company. [Full memo here]

Sinofsky will be replaced by Julie Larson-Green. Larson-Green has been with Microsoft since 1993 and has had a hand in program management, and UI design/research for Windows 7 and Windows 8.

Julie Larson-Green [Image Source: Microsoft]

“Leading Windows engineering is an incredible challenge and opportunity, and as I looked at the technical and business skills required to continue our Windows trajectory — great communication skills, a proven ability to work across product groups, strong design, deep technical expertise, and a history of anticipating and meeting customer needs — it was clear to me that Julie is the best possible person for this job, and I’m excited to have her in this role,” said Ballmer of Larson-Green.

Have you tried to uninstall a program? I have a TechNet Windows 8 version that I upgraded from Windows 7. When I typed "uninstall" all I got was program that had an uninstall icon on the old start menu. In Windows 7, you get a link to the Programs and Features when you type uninstall in the start menu. So now I type "control panel" and search for Programs and Features. For me, what was once one quick step is now two.

I then tried system restore. I typed "system restore" and nothing appeared. It took me a long time to figure out how to run this most important feature.

The TechNet versions of Windows 8 are crippled. You cannot install Windows Media Center from the TechNet downloaded Windows 8 disc. So I don't know if what I experienced is typical of Windows 8. From what I read, the TechNet licenses work on retail discs.

I also tried to close Metro IE10. I wanted it so that I couldn't ALT+TAB to it and when it opened it would go to my home page. There are, after all, times when I don't want the last page I browsed to to be visible. I never did figure out how. Does anybody know? Yes, I did try ALT+F4.

One thing I did like was how the first Windows Home Server is compatible with Windows 8. It would continue to back up without incident. I also liked a settings menu that was streamlined like those on tablets and smartphones. But I grew tired of not knowing what to do and being confused, so I used Windows Home Server to revert back to Windows 7.

When you choose to "add new features to Windows 8" it asks for your WMC product key and automatically knows what it is and downloads it and installs it. It needed one reboot and done here. No issues.

I will add it took me 2 entries for my email before they sent me a key for some reason. But it was within minutes that I received an email the second time around with the WMC key. I know some people have stated it has taken days to get the email.

I will also add I purchased StarDock on the first day of using Windows 8.

I can commend Microsoft on one subject of Windows 8, and thats the license price. The price being less then half or even a 3rd of previous versions of Windows gives it a better chance of a faster adoption rate. The price is right for sure. Should also cut down in piracy as well.

OK Well welcome to Windows 7 not windows 8. To uninstall a program is no different than Windows 7. Hit Start button, just type "Programs", select "Programs and Features", select the application and uninstall button.

windows 8 is basically Windows 7 with a fancy start menu. the only issue that people need to learn is to un-pin the IE and other apps from their start menu and PIN Desktop IE and every other app to the START menu.

COMPLAINT: I do think that Windows 8 on a laptop or workstation should have the default applications for IE, media and such for the desktop versions rather than apps. But that is easily fixed in 10 minutes.

Issue solved.

As far as multi-monitor setup. Windows 8 is the best OS out there for out of box support. I run three monitors. I have choices.... one taskbar on each monitor or only a taskbar when app running on that screen, or just a single taskbar as in previous versions of windows. I can now run Netflix on one Monitor, a game in center monitor, and chat/email on another monitor with no issues are special setup. If you have more than one monitor, Windows 8 is for you!!!!!

I just do not understand the confusion. You want to find an application or control panel. Hit Start button on keyboard or click lower left hand corner of screen, start typing the name of app and select program and/or app. which ever you want.

How difficult is this? Better the MAC OS X which is still using List view menu bar which changes depending on what app is running and such.

Uninstalling is the same......... go to settings -> control panel -> add remove programs. It's not different. Any time you want the control panel, just go to the bottom or top right corner and you will see settings there. It's easy once you do it.

When in doubt, just seek a corner. Thats actually better odds than most poorly written software in terms of usablity.